Mental Illness Resources

How do I know I need help?

Many people believe that mental disorders are rare and “happen to someone else."  In fact, mental disorders are common and widespread.  An estimated 54 million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year. 

A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. 

Mental health problems can be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. Mental illnesses can be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these. With proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder.  

The following are some of the symptoms that may be experienced by someone dealing with a mental illness:

In adults:

• Confused thinking
• Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
• Extreme mood changes
• Unusual worries or fears
• Social withdrawal
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Fatigue
• Feeling tense or Anxious
• Strong feelings of anger
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily activities
• Suicidal thoughts
• Denial of obvious problems
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments
• Substance use or abuse

In older children and pre-adolescents:

• Frequent outbursts of anger
• Substance use or abuse
• Change in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Excessive complaints of being sick or other physical complaints
• Defiance of authority
• Lingering negative mood
• Social withdrawal
• Poor school performance

In younger children:

• Changes in grades or behavior issues at school
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Hyperactivity
• Continual nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Frequent disobedience or aggression
• Frequent temper tantrums
• Difficulty getting along with others

It is important to remember that there is hope for recovery and that with treatment many people with mental illness return to a productive and fulfilling life.

Click on the links below to find out more about each indication through the National Mental Health Association’s Information Pages

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
Depression
Schizophrenia
Insomnia
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety

Resources for Children

Check out the National Mental Health Associations “Resources for Children” page at: http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/index.cfm#children

Resources for Seniors

Check out the National Mental Health Association’s “Resources for Older Adults” page at: http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/index.cfm#elderly

Resources for Families and Caregivers

Most families may have difficulty accepting that their loved one has a mental illness. If you think your loved one may be exhibiting some of the symptoms of a mental illness, there are many resources available to help. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a leading authority on causes, resources, and support.

NAMI has several resources for families and caregivers that may be helpful to you. In addition, the NMHA has local chapters all over the country and may have one in your area. Check out their support page at: http://www.nami.org